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Alagia to Buono: ‘Congrats’

Demonstrating newfound admiration for state Sen. Barbara Buono (D-18), presumably motivated by irritation at longtime same county political foe, state Sen. Dick Codey (D-27), Phil Alagia this afternoon tweeted congrats to Buono for receiving the backing of the Monmouth County Democratic Committee.

“Congrats to Buono for Governor as (Monmouth County Dems Chairman) Vin Gopal leads by his endorsement,” tweeted Alagia, chief of staff to powerful Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo.

Codey has not declared his intentions regarding a 2013 gubernatorial run, but while he publicly mulls it over, Alagia warmly embraced Buono.

Codey and DiVincenzo were never cozy.

In 2009, the former Senate president blamed DiVincenzo for partnering with South Jersey Democrats against Essex County to dump Codey out of his leadership position. DiVincenzo argued that he was simply “Putting Essex First,” his favorite slogan to explain any controversial decision.

At least one source close to Buono is telling the Democrats’ lone announced gubernatorial candidate to watch her back around DiVincenzo, who while glowing now, may not be as effusive in a general election contest if Buono faces Republican Gov. Chris Christie, a close DiVincenzo ally.